California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

After crashing into parked cars, suspect fled scene and claimed her car was stolen

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Jill Audette, 28, of San Diego, was convicted on five felony counts of insurance fraud and leaving the scene of a collision after falsely claiming her car was stolen and involved in a hit and run collision. Audette's sentencing was scheduled today, April 6 at 1:30 p.m.in San Diego Superior Court, Department 25.

On September 2, 2013, Audette contacted Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and reported her car was stolen, claiming someone took her keys. The insurer settled the claim for $8,981 to cover the damages to Audette's vehicle.

After reporting the alleged theft to her insurance company, Audette called San Diego Police to report the stolen car, but the police informed her that they had a report from a witness that her car was involved in a hit and run. Audette's 2013 Hyundai was impounded as evidence.

While investigating the case, San Diego police uncovered possible evidence of fraud and referred the case to the California Department of Insurance for investigation. In the subsequent investigation, detectives found evidence that Audette was allegedly driving when she hit the parked cars, fled the scene, and then reported her car stolen. A jury convicted Audette of multiple felony counts of insurance fraud and leaving the scene of a collision. She faces up to two years in jail.

Media Note:Audette was on probation (until December 2017) for two previous DUI convictions at the time of the collision that led to the insurance fraud arrest.

The California Department of Insurance, established in 1868, is the largest consumer protection agency in California. Insurers collect $310 billion in premiums annually in California. Since 2011 the California Department of Insurance received more than 1,000,000 calls from consumers and helped recover over $469 million in claims and premiums. Please visit the Department of Insurance website at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.4357. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.